Moore can't be compared to apostle

Steve Key Tuscaloosa

Thursday

Jul 1, 2004 at 12:01 AM

Dear Editor: Ed Lopacki's support of Roy Moore (letters, June 27) contains errors about both the Bible and Moore's case.

The words he attributes to the Apostle Peter, "We must obey God rather than men," are from Acts 5:29 (NIV), and were directed to members of the Sanhedrin, not "the world's most powerful government." Later, when Peter was subjected to the Roman authority, he did not "trump" them but instead was executed by them. In no event, however, should Roy Moore's story be compared to Simon Peter's.

Many Moore supporters have failed (or refused) to see the danger that his activity poses to religious freedom, and consequently, to progressive Christianity. James Madison, in his 1785 work, "Memorial and Remonstrance," forewarned of precisely the maneuvers Moore is attempting. He asked, "Who does not see the same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion, of all other religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of Christians, to the exclusion of all other sects?"

We are fortunate the federal courts understand the Founders' true intent in building the "Wall" of separation, and likewise that they correctly see Moore's stance. Moore's words and actions reveal he is less interested in using his Ten Commandments displays to "acknowledge God in public" than he is in mandating whose God the public may acknowledge.

My Christianity and Moore's are not akin. As Thomas Jefferson wrote in 1799, "I am for freedom of religion and against all maneuvers to bring about a legal ascendancy of one sect over another."

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.